"CHINA'S CHANG'E-6 SUCCESSFULLY LIFTS OFF FROM MOON'S FAR SIDE WITH ROCK SAMPLES"

Why in the news?

China’s Chang’e-6 probe successfully lifted off from the far side of the moon.
The probe started its return journey to Earth, carrying rock samples.
Chang’e-6 is set to become the first mission to return samples from the moon’s far side, which permanently faces away from Earth.

source:timesnow

About Chang’e-6 Mission :

Chang’e-6 probe successfully collected rock and soil samples from the moon’s far side.
First human sampling and return mission from the moon’s far side.
Launched by a Chinese Long March-5 rocket from Wenchang Space Launch Center,consists of an orbiter, a returner, a lander, and an ascender.
Landing site: South Pole-Aitken Basin, a 13 km deep crater with a 2,500km diameter.
Chandrayaan-3 also targeted the lunar south pole for its landing site.
Challenges include lack of direct communication, requiring a relay satellite, and rugged terrain.
Sixth mission in China’s Chang’e moon exploration program, named after a Chinese moon goddess.
Second mission designed to bring back samples, following Chang’e 5 in 2020.
China aims to land astronauts on the moon before 2030, marking a significant step forward.

Key Facts about Chandrayaan-4 : India’s upcoming lunar mission

Mission Objectives

Chandrayaan 4 aims to bring back lunar samples from the Moon’s south pole region.
It serves as a crucial step towards India’s goal of landing an astronaut on the Moon by 2040.

Execution Plan

Launch options include the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and the LVM3 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III).
The mission comprises five spacecraft modules: Re-entry module (RM), Transfer Module (TM), Ascender Module (AM), Descender Module (DM), and Propulsion Module (PM).

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